Circuit controller



0d. 29, 1929. l. E. MCCABE 1,734,017

CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed Opt. 23. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 29, L E MCCABE CIRCUIT CONTROLLER I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001'.. 25. 1922 u mm attozmzq Patented Oct. 29, 1929 UNITED STATES IRA E. MCCABE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Application filed October 23, 1922. Serial No. 596,408. i

point or other conditions fulfilled, quickly.

and positively throw a circuit controlling switch to a predetermined position and lock it in this position until another condition has been reached when itis again moved positively and quickly to another position; wherein energy is stored between movements of the switch for quickly and positively moving the switch to the next position; wherein a large variety of diferent positions may be effected by use of a single switch controlling -member by merely placing in the member indentations into which a coacling part may be forced; which will be provided with means for preventing overriding of the positions as they are successively reached; and which may be used with a plurality of circuit clos- Y ing tubes thus giving a large range and variety of uses and the accomplishment of sev eral functions in the one instrument,

Other objects and advantages, such as simplified and compact means associated with the switch moving devices for carrying circuit controlling members; interchangeability and standardization of parts and simplicity of arrangement will in part be apparent and in p art be brought out more fully in the specification which follows.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, the following views being shown:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a circuit controller embodying my invention and associated with a. pressure actuating device of the Bourdon variety;

Fig. 2 is a. view in vertical section on line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a'4 fragmentary detail view, in front elevation, showing actuating mechanism in position at the limit of its movement in one direction;

Fig. 4 is a similarview showing the parts at the limit of movement in the opposite direction; v

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view, partly in section, showing a form of tension mechanism and its mounting;

Fig. 6 is a detail view in end elevation and partly in section showing the arrangement of 5 certain parts;

Figs. 7 8 and 9 are diagrammatic views illustrating circuit arrangements in closed, open, moving counter-clockwise and open moving clockwise positions, respectively; and 65 Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detail view in end elevation and partly in section, showing the arrangement of certain parts of the device.

In these views, 1 designates a casing of the gauge type provided with the usual threaded 7( stem 2'associated withl a pressure-actuating device here shown as a Bourbon tube 2. The Bourdon tube is responsive to variations in v pressure and this movement is utilized in connection with intervening mechanisms to operate a circuit controlling device. y

A link. 3 is secured by an adjustable connection 4 to an end of the Bourdon tube. The other end of the link is movably and adjustably secured to work in a slotin an extended arm portion 5 of a` lever 6. This lever is fulcrumed at 7 between a front plate 8 and back plate 9 of a movement, the plates being supported and spaced by posts-10. The body portion of this lever is rat-her extensive and by having the link 3 movable in the extended arm 5, the point where power is applied to the lever may be changed, thus shortening or lengthening the stroke. Movement of the lever is utilized to actuate a stop catch member, and as here shown there is a link having aportion 11 pivotally secured to the body portion of lever 6. This link may be of the spring type and as here shown has a spring loop 12 extending at right angles to portion 11. Another extended portion 13 is arranged at approximately right angles to the looped portion and in parallelism with portion 11. This forms a spring loop which is utilized to store up energy to actuate a stop-catch member 14 quickly and positively.

As here shown, the stop-catch member 14 is pivoted or fulcrumed at one end on a pivot 15 and connected pivotally as at 16 to portion 13 of the spring loop. The other end of the stop catch member extends outwardly from the pivot or fulcrum and has an eXtend. ed portion 17 arranged thereon. This extended portion is provided with notches orl depressions 18 on a face thereof and with shoulders 19 at its extremities to limit movement of the member and act as a limit-stop.

There are spaced-apart arms 20 fulcrumed on a shaft or pivot 21. This is in the nature of a shaft extending between and journaled, in the front and back plates. At one side of the arms there is a hub 23 attached to the shaft and to which there is secured an endl of a coil spring 24, wound thereon. The other end of the spring is attached to one of the posts 10. Means are provided for pressing ithe arms into engagement with the notches in the stop catch member and for adjusting the tension with which this engagement is effected. As here shown the arms are mounted directly on the shaft and movable in relation thereto, a ratchet 25 is secured to the shaft between the arms and a spring pawl connects the ratchet and arms. As here shown this pawl comprises a looped portion 26 disposed on a post disposed between q .the arms at one end thereof and has arms 27, one of which engages the teeth of the ratchet, the other acting to maintain a tension against the teeth and extending beyond the centre line thereof. It will be'seen that `the coil spring acting through pivot or shaft 21 and ratchet 25 will tend to press the upper outer end of arms 20 in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 5, and this force is utilized to maintain a roller 28 disposed at the end of the'arms and between them, into engagement with one or another of the notches 18 in catch member 14. The tension of coil spring 24 may be adjusted by turning ratchet 25 in a counter clockwise direction' to tighten or clockwise to loosen as viewed in Fig. 5.

The arrangement. of the part-s described permits a line adjustment and large range of movement. When arm 5 is in the posiltion shown in Fig. 3, the stop catch member is at the limit of its movement in one direction, the roller seating in the upper notch and further movement of the catch member of lever 6 is prevented by portion. 30 of the lever engaging one of the posts'and Iroller 28 being seated in agroove and against shoulder 19 on the catch member. In moving between these points there is first a storing of energy in spring loop 12 until the tension of coil spring 24 pressing the roller into depressions 18 is overcome, when a quick and positive movement of the catch member is effected until the next notch is reached. By varying the number and placement of the notches a large range of movements may be eil'ected and this movement is utilized to operate circuit-controlling instrumentality which will now be described.

Extending outwardly from a portion of stop catch member 14 there is a support 31 and upon this there is mounted spring carrying members 32adapted to engage and support a single or plurality of circuit controlling devices 33. These are here shown in the form of sealed tubes carrying terminals disposed within the tubes and the circuit being opened or closed by' a movable contact such as a drop of mercury. Wires connect these terminals to binding posts 34 arranged on the casing and connected to a source of supply not shown and devices to'be operated. Reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, will show, for example, one form of circuit which will give an ideal of the large diversity and variety of combinations which may be effected bythe use of variously placing the terminals and changing the slant of the tubes When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 7, the circuit is open and a motor included in the circuit would be stopped. When in the position shown in Fig. 8, the motor, if of the reversible type, would be operated in a clockwise direction, current passing through line 35, terminals 36, line 37,.motor 38, 'line 39, terminals 40, and line 41, completing the course. When in the position shown in Fig. 9, current passes through line 42, terminals 43, line 39, motor 38, line 37', terminals 44, and line 45, completing the course and reversing the motor. The cross connections may be lutilized to operate an alarm circuit or the like and the varlety and range of these will be readily seen.

Means are provided for adjusting the enl tire mechanism bodily with relation to the casing and as here shown such means include an eccentric 46, operated b v a nut 47 on the outside of the casing: This eccentric portion works in a slot 48 on the back late and is effective to shift the position o the back plate on the casing.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the invention provides a simple and effective means of accomplishing the objects se't forth. While it has been described in connection with the present disclosure, it will be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the precise form of this disclosure, as many changes in the structure and arrangement of the parts are thought to be within rier for holding the carrier in a plurality of predetermined positions; said mechanism including a member mounted for movement in relation to the carrier and adapted to contactl therewith, mechanism including a spring tending to normally force the movable member into engagement with the carrier, and means for adjusting the tension of the spring to vary the engaging pressure between the members and pressure responsive means adapted to operate said actuating member.

2. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a carrier; a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device operatively associable therewith an actuating member operatively associated with the carrier and movable to position the carrier in predetermined positions, mechanism connected with the carrier for holding the carrier in a plurality of predetermined positions; said mechanismzincluding a member mounted for movement in `relation to the carrier and adapted to contact therewith, mechanism including a spring tending to normally force the movable member into engagement with the carrier, means for adjusting the tension of the spring to vary the engaging pressure between the members; said means including a' shaft; a ratchet mounted thereon and to which a portion of the spring is connected; and a pawlA operatively associated with the ratchet and pressure responsive means adapted to operate said actuating member.

3. A pressure operable circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive device, a carrier; a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device operativelyassociated with the carrier; an actuating member operatively associated with the carrier and movable to position the carrier; and mechanism operatively associated with the actuating member and pressure responsivedevice for moving the carrier into a plurality of predetermined positions by a successive step by step movement. 4. A pressure operable circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive device, a. carrier; a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device operatively associated with the carrier; an actuating member operatively associated with the carrier and movable to position the carrier; and mechanism operatively'associated with the actuating member and pressure responsive device for movmg the carrier into a plurality of predetermined positions by a successive step by step jmovement; said mechanism including a plurality indented portions provided on one of the members and a pawl mechanism operatively associated therewith.

5. A pressure operable circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive device, a carrier; al liquid contact circuit opening and closing device operatively associated withrthe carrier; an actuating member operatively associated with the carrier and movable to position the carrier; mechanism operatively associated with the actuating member and pressure responsive device for moving the carrier into a plurality of Vpredetermined po- 'sitions by a step by step movement, and a resilient connecting mechanismVV between the carrierand the pressure responsive device whereby a certain amount of movement of one member relative to the other is permitted.

6. A pressure operable circuit controller comprislng a pressure responsive device, a carrier; a liquid conta-ct circuit opening and closing device operatively associated with the carrier; an actuating member operatively associated with the carrier and movable to position the carrier; mechanism operatively associated with the actuating member and pressure responsive device for moving the carrier into a plurality of predetermined positions by a step by step movement, and a resilient connecting mechanism between the carrier and the pressure responsive device whereby a certain amount of movement of one member relative to the other is permitted; said Amechanism including a spring element connected with the carrier whereby power is stored during a. partial movement of the pressure responsive device and utilized to quickly move the carrier from one position to another.

7. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a tiltable carrier a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device adapted to be supported by the carrier; an actuating member connectedwith the carrier and operable to position the carrier in a pluri'lity of positions, mechanism foi' effecting a `successive step by step movement of the carrier and pressure responsive means adapted to operate said actuating member.

8. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a tiltable carrier a liquid Contact .circuit opening and closing device adapted llt) responsive means adapted to operate said actuating member.

9. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a tiltable carrier a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device adapted to be supported by the carrier; an actuating member connected with the carrier and operable to position thecarrier in a plurality of positions, mechanism for effecting a successive step by step movement of the carrier; said mechanism including a pawl; a spring member normally pressing the pawl into engagement with a surface of the carrier and a plurality of ridges on the surface of the carrier traversed by the pawl, and pressure responsive mechanism for movin the carrier whereby thc pawl will ride the ridges.

10. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprisingr a tiltable carrier a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device adapted to be supported by the carrier; an actuating member connected with the carrier and operable to position the carrier in a plurality of positions, mechanism for effecting a successive step by step movement of the carrier said mechanism including a pawl; a spring member normally pressing the pawl into engagement with a surface of the carrier and a plurality of ridges on the surface of the carrier traversed by the pawl, pressure responsive mechanism for moving the actuating member whereby the 'pawl will ride the ridges; said mechanism including a spring member storing energ during a portion of the movement and applying it during another portion to effect a quick tilting of the carrier.

11. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a tiltable carrier a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device adapted to be supported by the carrier; an actuating member connected with the carrier and operable to position the carrier in a plurality of positions, mechanism for effecting a successive step by step movement of the carrier; said mechanism including a pawl; a spring vmember normally pressing the pawl into enmember .connected with the carrier and operable to position the carrier in a plurality of positions, mechanism for eifectin a successive step by step movement of t e carrier; said mechanism including a pawl; a spring member normally `,pressing the pawl into engagement with a surface of the carrier and a plurality of ridges on the surface of the carrier traversed by the pawl, pressure responsive mechanism for moving the actuating member whereby the pawl will ride the ridges,

a roller element forming a part of the pawl andtracking the ridges, and mechanism for .lo varying the pressure between the pawl and ridges.

13. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a tiltable carrier a liquid contact y circuit opening and closing device adapted to be supported by the carrier; an actuating member connected with the carrier and operable to position the carrier in a plurality of positions, and mechanism for effecting a successive step by step movement of the carrier; said mechanism including a pawl; a spring member normally pressing the pawl into engagement with a surface of the carrier and a plurality of ridges onthe surface of the carrier traversed by the pawl, a pressure respong5 sive device; and mechanism operatively connecting the pressure responsive device and actuating member.

14. A circuit controller comprising a tiltable carrier a liquid contact circuit opening an-d closing device adapted to be supported by the carrier; an actuating member connected with the carrier and operable to position the carrier in a plurality of positions, and mechanism for effecting a step by step movement of, the carrier; said mechanism including a pawl; a spring member normally pressing the pawl into engagement with a surface of the carrier and a plurality of ridges on the surface of the carrier traversed by the pawl, a pressure responsive device; mechanism operatively connecting the pressure responsive device and actuating member; -said mechanism including a lever; and a link connecting the lever and pressure responsive device.

15. A circuit controlling instrumentality comprising a lever member ;2 a2 stop-catch member; instrumentality connecting these members whereby movement of the lever will be transmitted to the stop-catch member;

means for limiting the movement of the stopcatch member to predetermined positions, said means including a member associated with the .stop-catch member and having a contacting engagement therewith; means for pressing the members together; means for adjusting the pressure between the members; said means including a ratchet disposed on one of the members; a pawl associated therewith; and a spring member connected with one of these and adapted to be adjusted thereby.

l16. A circuit controlling instrumentality comprising a lever member; a stop catch member; instrumentality connecting these members whereby movement of the lever will be transmitted to the stop catch member; means for limiting the movement of the stop catch member to predetermined positions; said stop catch member having a surface provided with a notch therein; and a vmember movable into the notch to limit the movement of the stop catch member.

17. An electric switch comprising a tilting support, a li uid contactor mounted on said support, sai support normally resting in a tilted position biased in one direction, and pressure responsive means/for tilting said support to another biased position, and an adjustable spring for biasing said means in a plurality of positions. A l- 18. A11 electric switch comprising a tilting support, a liquid contactor mounted on said support, said support normally resting in av tilted position biased in one direction, an actuator for tilting said support, pressure responsive means for tilting sald actuator to move said support to another biased position when a predetermined pressure occurs and for tilting said support back. to normal position when the pressure is changed by a predetermined amount, and an adjustable spring connected to 'said actuator for biasing said actuator and for adjusting the required predetermined pressure at which said -support is tilted by said actuator, and additional adjustable means ,'associated with said actuator for controlling the range of Apredetermined pressure change.

19. In combination, a. circuit cont-roller comprising pressure responsive actuating means, one or more mercury tube switches, a tilting carrier mounting said switches, means for tilting and maintaining said carrier in a plurality-of predetermined positions for making or breaking the circuits in said switches together with means for holding said carrier 1n any of said positions until predetermined changes in pressure occur when said carrier is tilted thereby to another position and held.

20. In combination, a circuit controller comprising pressure responsive actuating vmeans, one or more mercury tube switches, a

tilting carrier mounting said switches, means plurality. of predetermined positions for making vor kbreaking the circuits rin said vswitches together 'with means for holding said carrier in any of said positions until predetermined changes in pressure occur when i said carrier is tilted thereby to another position and held, and means for adjusting the pressure at which the switches shall operate. 21. In combination, a circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive actuating means, one or morel mercury tube switches, a tiltable carrier for said' switches, means associated with said pressure responsive actuator for tilting said switch carrier into a plurality of predetermined posi-tions and maintaining it'in one ofsaid positions under predetermined conditions of pressure.

22. In combination a circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive actuating means, one or more mercury tube switches, a tiltable carrier for said switches, means associated with said pressure responsive actuator for tiltingy said switch carrier into a plurality of predetermined positions and maintaining it in oneof said positions under predetermined conditions of pressure, and means for adjusting the pressures at which various positions shall be assumed and maintained.

In testimony whereof I` aiix my signature.

` IRA E. MCCABE. 

